Dijkstra Algorithm Questions Medium
The role of path retrieval in the Dijkstra Algorithm is to determine the shortest path from a source vertex to all other vertices in a weighted graph. After the algorithm has been executed, the path retrieval step allows us to trace back the shortest path from the source vertex to any other vertex in the graph.
During the execution of the Dijkstra Algorithm, the algorithm keeps track of the shortest distance from the source vertex to each vertex in a data structure called a distance table. This table is updated as the algorithm progresses, and it stores the shortest known distance from the source vertex to each vertex.
Once the algorithm has finished executing, the path retrieval step utilizes the information stored in the distance table to reconstruct the shortest path from the source vertex to any other vertex. Starting from the destination vertex, we can trace back the path by following the predecessors recorded in the distance table.
By retrieving the path, we can not only determine the shortest distance from the source vertex to any other vertex but also obtain the actual sequence of vertices that form the shortest path. This information is crucial in various applications, such as finding the optimal route in a transportation network or determining the critical path in project management.
In summary, the role of path retrieval in the Dijkstra Algorithm is to reconstruct the shortest path from the source vertex to any other vertex in a weighted graph, using the information stored in the distance table.